Aurier throat slit gesture during World Cup qualifier causes stir

Paris (AFP) – Controversial Paris Saint-Germain full-back Serge Aurier has caused a social media stir after making a throat slitting gesture duing a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Ivory Coast international Aurier celebrated a goal against Mali by turning to the crowd and dragging his finger across his throat.

Ivory Coast won the African Group C qualifier in Bouake 3-1.

Aurier made the hand gesture after his cross was turned into his own net by Salif Coulibaly to give the hosts a 2-1 lead in the 31st minute.

Aurier’s name was trending on social media after the incident, with many mocking him or blasting the media.

The controversial 23-year-old was in trouble last month when he was sentenced to two months in prison for assaulting a police officer — although in France such short sentences are automatically commuted.

Last season he was also in trouble with his club after making derogatory comments about his then-PSG coach Laurent Blanc and other team-mates, including current Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, on a social media video post.

He was suspended by his club for five weeks but owned up to having committed “a stupid mistake”.